VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
1/22/20
MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC
Yes, it is all music in town this coming weekend. The musical artists will be showing up on Friday evening. All the CCPA Board Members have been hard at work for a long time. Actually, their work began last January, 2019, when the Consortium ended in Great Falls.
It looks as though the weather is going to be kind to us. The warming up period is supposed to be Sunday the 20thd and stay warmer for about 10 days. I do not know if we can trust the weather reporters because the warm up was supposed to begin on Thursday the 16th. It was then changed to the 17th, then the 18th, and finally the 20th. Since I am starting this View on Saturday the 18th, I am not holding my breath until it happens.
So, I will be enjoying the first showcase at 9:00 a.m. next Saturday and hope you will be joining me. Everyone who has attended the free entertainment day has really enjoyed it and looks forward to it each year. They even show up in Great Falls every other year. Happy Consortium Day in Fort Benton.
SO PROUD
Our Fort Benton Elementary School has once again won a National Recognition Award (again.) What an honor for a small rural school and town. Why are our Kiddos so smart? Because they work hard at it. From the few students that I am in touch with, I have learned that they have homework to do every night. They read a lot and frequent the Library. Whatever the reasons the fact remains that they are the greatest and make the rest of us very proud.
BASKETBALL
Here we are again with the best Girls and Boys Basketball teams in the area. Fort Benton came so close last year at the State Meet. We, the Fans, have big hopes for this year. So, GO LONGHORNS. We love you.
HELP! HELP! HELP!
I need help from someone with a little spare time and good eyesight. The Veterans Photo Program has some work to be done. At least a dozen picture frames were broken and needed new frames and some just needed new glass.
The gold stickers identifying the Veteran were sometime salvaged but many needed replacing. I also found that there are some out of alphabetical order. I need help with that and the making of a list of those photos that need a new gold sticker. The stickers will then by retyped and applied to the correct Veteran.
Since my eyesight has failed me, I can no longer do these projects. If you can help me, perhaps when it gets warmer but before Memorial Day, please call me. I will appreciate any help I can get.
In case you do not know about the Veterans Photo program, there are about 250 Veterans photo on display at the Sunrise Bluffs. They are in order by wars beginning with the Civil War of Fort Benton Veterans and others related to residents of our town.
The program originated quite a few years ago and was ended when the hallway wall was filled. Also, the two women who were very involved in the program passed away.
It was such an honor to work on this program. You can at any time go to Sunrise Bluffs to see your loved one’s photo, (if you had sent it in.) There are also biographies to be read about each Veterans service. There is a lot of history to be read. You are most welcome to take visitors to the Bluffs because it is worth the time as the display honors Veterans.
WHAT’S UP THESE DAYS
Wednesday January 29th
CORN CHIP DAY (I like any kind of chips.)
PUZZLE DAY (The Senior Center always has a puzzle being worked on.)
Thursday the 30th
CROISSANT DAY (Food Service pay attention.
Friday the 31st
BACKWARD DAY (The calendar suggests silly things like easting dessert first, eating breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast. I always seem to be going backwards.)
INSPIRE YOUR HEART WITH ART DAY (Prairie Rose take note.)
Saturday February 1st
BAKED ALASKA DAY (Yummy) FREEDOM DAY (We are so thankful for.) GET UP DAY (Sorry, I am not getting up early. Saturday is my day to sleep in.)
SERPENT DAY (Who likes and celebrates snakes?)
TEXAS DAY (I have come across many people who are from Texas. How about having a Hoe-Down?)
Sunday the 2nd
HEAVENLY HASH DAY (Is there really a Heavenly Hash?)
TATOR TOT DAY (Now these are heavenly.)
GROUND HOG DAY (Do you really believe that ground hog from PA?)
Monday the 3rd
CARROT CAKE DAY (Now you are getting into the good stuff.) DAY THE MUSIC DIED DAY (My Kids played this song over and over and over.)
MISSING PERSONS DAY (I researched this and found that every day in the United States there are 2,300 missing persons.)
WOMEN PHYSICIANS DAY (If you have a female doctor, call her to let her know how much you appreciate her.)
Tuesday the 4th
HEMP DAY.
HOMEADE SOUP DAY (I do not cook but if you include making soup, then I do cook. I make soup every week during the weather months. Yummy!)
SAFER INTERNET DAY (I do not like dealing with that.)
THANK A MAIL CARRIER DAY (Perhaps you could call the Post Office and thank them if you have a Post Office Box. Otherwise, those on the rural routes could thank their mail carrier. When I helped Wally with his mail route for 6 years, people often left treats for us in the mail boxes. We were also invited for lunch. Virginia Bailey invited us in for chicken soup. “Those were the days my friend, I thought they’d never end”.
That makes for a busy week and I hope that you are enjoying and using these suggestions to make for a happier day.
Be kind and do a good deed today. Volunteer if possible. Wear red on Fridays to support our troops.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, FIRE FIGHTERS AND EMT’S.
Showing posts with label help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label help. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
View From The Bridge 8/26/15
VIEW from the BRIDGE
8/26/15
MORE FAIR
There was so much more about the Chouteau County Fair that I did not get to last week. If I leave anyone out, I am sorry. Much of the attendance numbers were covered by Shirley Embelton. It looks and sounds as if there will be more involvement next year. I certainly hope that is so. I have always had many memories and this year I have more. I met dear friends at the 4-H building for breakfast every time I ate, friends and neighbors would stop to visit. I went through the exhibits with a longtime friend. It was a great time for me and I would like to hear your memories.
The School Exhibits was spectacular this year. I wonder how many hours it took to set them all up. Each grade from all the schools around the County contributed. There were some very artistic pieces and talented artists whose work we can look forward to seeing their future development.
Did you see the display about WWII? These youngsters are not forgetting “The Greatest Generation.” Thank you for that.
Although the Fair does not have a carnival any longer, I observed that the Kiddos were having a great time jumping up and down on those bouncy things. (I do not know what to call them.) Diving off and landing on a cushioned area made me shiver. (I also watched them at Summer Celebration.) The individuals who do that must also like diving out of airplanes and rock climbing to name a few daring feats. I wonder if I would have done that when I was young.
The Food Concessions were 5-Star Fair Food. I have always loved the Fair because I used to say that it was one time, and include Summer Celebration, that I could eat all the junk food I wanted. Not so! I take all that back because I ate some terrific meals, quickly served and very appetizing. I ate well for three days.
Another event I really enjoyed was the “Mini Cars.” What a blast that was. It equaled in enjoyment like the Kiddos that wrestle the pigs. Kudos to all you youngsters who participated. You are so much fun. I hope you are back next year.
Most likely during the coming week I will think of someone or something that I forgot to mention. If you see me out and about, I would like it if you told me what you enjoyed and if there was something you saw that I didn’t.
KEN or DEER-FEST?
On Thursday last, Ken Robison, our local author and historian, gave a talk at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center on the Mullen Road. It was at the same time as the meeting at the City Hall concerning the deer. Ken dubbed it the Deer-Fest when he greeted us as we arrived at the Center.
Ken’s program was about an hour long and I drove on Front Street for two reasons. I was taking Marge W. back to the Sunrise Bluffs and I wanted to see if there were any vehicles at the City Hall. No there were not and the building was dark. On the way to the Bluffs on Front St. a deer ran across the street. It was alone and as usual it stood on the lawn and stared at us. I’ll have to wait for the River Press to see what took place at the Deer-Fest.
SCHOOL STARTS
I cannot believe that the summer has gone so quickly. I can now return to walking at the High School about 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Friday at 3:00 p.m. because of early out. It will seem strange because of the absence of vehicles parked around the school all summer.
I see by the Community Calendar that the Girls Volleyball and the Boys Football game are played on the same day. It must be difficult for the parents that have students playing on both teams. I know this has always been a problem and I am happy that I do not have to make those choices.
I have good thoughts for all the teams. I do watch a lot of Hallmark movies and they have many about schools, teachers, football, and basketball. Of course because it is a movie, the teams always win. They do emphasize it is not the winning but the effort put into the contest. All you can do is your best effort and enjoy what you are doing. We love the Longhorns and we are happy that we have a football team again. I saw the team on the 5:30 p.m. local news the other night and Coach Skip Ross said that the team is inexperienced. We realize that and we are behind you all the way. Go Horns!
AROUND TOWN
The Farmers Market is going well. It has been hot most Thursdays and so I rush over and rush home to watch the 5:00 p.m. World News. It looks as though there is good attendance and I’ll report next week when it will end.
HELP
I still need help with my Veterans Photo Program. I asked a few weeks ago in this column but have not received a response. I realize that everyone is busy and next month all the organizations will begin their meetings.
I only need a couple of days help. When the program began, I said that it was never ending. I have changed my mind and after I finish with the 5 or 6 photos that I have to do, it will be the end of the program.
I am excited about two research projects that I am working on and my Adopted Plot. Those projects and doing the View keep my life interesting and make me more aware of how precious friends are.
50's HOME SCHOOLED
My mother taught me about ENVY. “There are millions of children in the world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, OUR POLICE FORCES, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAY (please.)
8/26/15
MORE FAIR
There was so much more about the Chouteau County Fair that I did not get to last week. If I leave anyone out, I am sorry. Much of the attendance numbers were covered by Shirley Embelton. It looks and sounds as if there will be more involvement next year. I certainly hope that is so. I have always had many memories and this year I have more. I met dear friends at the 4-H building for breakfast every time I ate, friends and neighbors would stop to visit. I went through the exhibits with a longtime friend. It was a great time for me and I would like to hear your memories.
The School Exhibits was spectacular this year. I wonder how many hours it took to set them all up. Each grade from all the schools around the County contributed. There were some very artistic pieces and talented artists whose work we can look forward to seeing their future development.
Did you see the display about WWII? These youngsters are not forgetting “The Greatest Generation.” Thank you for that.
Although the Fair does not have a carnival any longer, I observed that the Kiddos were having a great time jumping up and down on those bouncy things. (I do not know what to call them.) Diving off and landing on a cushioned area made me shiver. (I also watched them at Summer Celebration.) The individuals who do that must also like diving out of airplanes and rock climbing to name a few daring feats. I wonder if I would have done that when I was young.
The Food Concessions were 5-Star Fair Food. I have always loved the Fair because I used to say that it was one time, and include Summer Celebration, that I could eat all the junk food I wanted. Not so! I take all that back because I ate some terrific meals, quickly served and very appetizing. I ate well for three days.
Another event I really enjoyed was the “Mini Cars.” What a blast that was. It equaled in enjoyment like the Kiddos that wrestle the pigs. Kudos to all you youngsters who participated. You are so much fun. I hope you are back next year.
Most likely during the coming week I will think of someone or something that I forgot to mention. If you see me out and about, I would like it if you told me what you enjoyed and if there was something you saw that I didn’t.
KEN or DEER-FEST?
On Thursday last, Ken Robison, our local author and historian, gave a talk at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center on the Mullen Road. It was at the same time as the meeting at the City Hall concerning the deer. Ken dubbed it the Deer-Fest when he greeted us as we arrived at the Center.
Ken’s program was about an hour long and I drove on Front Street for two reasons. I was taking Marge W. back to the Sunrise Bluffs and I wanted to see if there were any vehicles at the City Hall. No there were not and the building was dark. On the way to the Bluffs on Front St. a deer ran across the street. It was alone and as usual it stood on the lawn and stared at us. I’ll have to wait for the River Press to see what took place at the Deer-Fest.
SCHOOL STARTS
I cannot believe that the summer has gone so quickly. I can now return to walking at the High School about 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Friday at 3:00 p.m. because of early out. It will seem strange because of the absence of vehicles parked around the school all summer.
I see by the Community Calendar that the Girls Volleyball and the Boys Football game are played on the same day. It must be difficult for the parents that have students playing on both teams. I know this has always been a problem and I am happy that I do not have to make those choices.
I have good thoughts for all the teams. I do watch a lot of Hallmark movies and they have many about schools, teachers, football, and basketball. Of course because it is a movie, the teams always win. They do emphasize it is not the winning but the effort put into the contest. All you can do is your best effort and enjoy what you are doing. We love the Longhorns and we are happy that we have a football team again. I saw the team on the 5:30 p.m. local news the other night and Coach Skip Ross said that the team is inexperienced. We realize that and we are behind you all the way. Go Horns!
AROUND TOWN
The Farmers Market is going well. It has been hot most Thursdays and so I rush over and rush home to watch the 5:00 p.m. World News. It looks as though there is good attendance and I’ll report next week when it will end.
HELP
I still need help with my Veterans Photo Program. I asked a few weeks ago in this column but have not received a response. I realize that everyone is busy and next month all the organizations will begin their meetings.
I only need a couple of days help. When the program began, I said that it was never ending. I have changed my mind and after I finish with the 5 or 6 photos that I have to do, it will be the end of the program.
I am excited about two research projects that I am working on and my Adopted Plot. Those projects and doing the View keep my life interesting and make me more aware of how precious friends are.
50's HOME SCHOOLED
My mother taught me about ENVY. “There are millions of children in the world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, OUR POLICE FORCES, and WEAR RED ON FRIDAY (please.)
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
10-10-12
HELP!
I did not hear from anyone this past week about the missing plaque on a memorial table. As of now, it will have to be reordered and reattached. It will be in the spring because when the weather turns colder, it is difficult to attach a plaque to cold cement. I am still in hopes that the plaque will show up and the someone who called me about the missing plaque has not yet had time to read the River Press. It would also help if it would be mentioned at organizational meetings and gathering of residents (like coffee morning get-togethers.) Spread the word around and maybe, just maybe, the request will get to the right person.
SPORTS SECTION
Homecoming seemed to make the Volleyball game and the Football game more exciting. The bleachers and stands were full and the singing of the school song seemed to be louder. Again, the Lady Longhorns were at the football game and they show their enthusiasm. The Cheerleaders know their craft well and the half time show was very entertaining. I realize their talents require a lot of practice however; I would like to see the half time show at every game. I want to mention what a great job the coaches are doing with all the teams. I remember checking out and writing about the hours that the cheerleaders put into their routines. They practice as many hours as the sports teams practice. Go Lady Longhorns, Longhorns, and Longhorn Cheerleaders. You all make our attendance at the games a lot of fun.
PANDEMIC RESULTS
I received an e-mail forwarded from Linda Williams about a Workshop Summary of the opinions of the presenters of the influenza pandemic. If you remember, in May of 2012, Fort Benton was selected as the rural area from all over the United States to participate.
You can learn more about the differences between Workshop Summaries and Consensus Reports by going on the inter-net. Go to httn://www.iom.edu/Reports/2012/Public-Engagement-on-Facilitating-Access-to-Antiviral
I could not reach Linda today because of the Columbus Day holiday. I would have asked her to arrange another Pandemic Explanation evening. That would take care of all the explanations and questions. A question for those of you who attended…would that be something you would like to see happen? Let me know.
VISIONS AND VOICES
I had a busy e-mail week. I also heard from Charlotte Caldwell, the author of Visions and Voices: Montana’s One-Room Schoolhouses.
I have a story to tell you about the book that I found fascinating. Ivan Doig, well-known author of Montana books, wrote the foreword in her book. Charlotte did not know Mr. Doig but sent him a letter about her book and a chapter. He wanted more, she sent him half the book, and he said, “YES!” She said it was an honor for her.
At the annual Humanities Montana Conference the Festival of the Book, the first part of October, Charlotte met Ivan Doig for the first time. He was a presenter that evening and Charlotte presented the next day. It was quite a thrill for her to meet an author whose books she had read for years. It was her “15 Minutes of Fame.” By the way, the book is now available at the Chouteau County Free Library.
WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS
As I said earlier, I had an interesting week of e-mail. I feel that I must pass this on because there is no way I can forward it to all readers of the River Press. It shows the importance of supporting our Troops.
Your cell phone is in your pocket. You’re looking at all the pretty girls.
HE/SHE PATROLS THE STREETS, SEARCHING FOR INSURGENTS AND TERRORISTS. HE’S TOLD HE WILL BE HELD OVER EXTRA TIME.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
HE WAITS FOR THE MAIL TO SEE IF THERE IS A LETTER FROM HOME.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend every day.
HE HOLDS HIS LETTER CLOSE AND SMELLS HER PERFUME.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
HE GETS A LETTER WITH PICTURES OF HIS NEW CHILD, AND WONDERS IF THEY’LL EVER MEET.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
HE SEES THE INNOCENT TORTURED AND KILLED BY THEIR OWN PEOPLE AND REMEMBERS WHY HE IS FIGHTING.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
HE HEARS THE GUNFIRE, BOMBS AND SCREAMS OF THE WOUNDED
You see only what the media wants you to see
HE SEES THE BROKEN BODIES LYING AROUND HIM.
You are asked to do something by your parents. You don’t.
HE DOES EXACTLY WHAT HE IS TOLD EVEN IF IT PUTS HIS LIFE IN DANGER.
You stay at home and watch TV.
HE TAKES WHATEVER TIME HE IS GIVEN TO CALL, WRITE HOME, SLEEP, AND EAT.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
HE TRIES TO SLEEP BUT GETS AWAKENED BY MORTARS AND HELICOPTERS ALL NIGHT LONG.
REMEMBER TO WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SHOW THEM YOU MEAN IT.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.
By Muncie
10-10-12
HELP!
I did not hear from anyone this past week about the missing plaque on a memorial table. As of now, it will have to be reordered and reattached. It will be in the spring because when the weather turns colder, it is difficult to attach a plaque to cold cement. I am still in hopes that the plaque will show up and the someone who called me about the missing plaque has not yet had time to read the River Press. It would also help if it would be mentioned at organizational meetings and gathering of residents (like coffee morning get-togethers.) Spread the word around and maybe, just maybe, the request will get to the right person.
SPORTS SECTION
Homecoming seemed to make the Volleyball game and the Football game more exciting. The bleachers and stands were full and the singing of the school song seemed to be louder. Again, the Lady Longhorns were at the football game and they show their enthusiasm. The Cheerleaders know their craft well and the half time show was very entertaining. I realize their talents require a lot of practice however; I would like to see the half time show at every game. I want to mention what a great job the coaches are doing with all the teams. I remember checking out and writing about the hours that the cheerleaders put into their routines. They practice as many hours as the sports teams practice. Go Lady Longhorns, Longhorns, and Longhorn Cheerleaders. You all make our attendance at the games a lot of fun.
PANDEMIC RESULTS
I received an e-mail forwarded from Linda Williams about a Workshop Summary of the opinions of the presenters of the influenza pandemic. If you remember, in May of 2012, Fort Benton was selected as the rural area from all over the United States to participate.
You can learn more about the differences between Workshop Summaries and Consensus Reports by going on the inter-net. Go to httn://www.iom.edu/Reports/2012/Public-Engagement-on-Facilitating-Access-to-Antiviral
I could not reach Linda today because of the Columbus Day holiday. I would have asked her to arrange another Pandemic Explanation evening. That would take care of all the explanations and questions. A question for those of you who attended…would that be something you would like to see happen? Let me know.
VISIONS AND VOICES
I had a busy e-mail week. I also heard from Charlotte Caldwell, the author of Visions and Voices: Montana’s One-Room Schoolhouses.
I have a story to tell you about the book that I found fascinating. Ivan Doig, well-known author of Montana books, wrote the foreword in her book. Charlotte did not know Mr. Doig but sent him a letter about her book and a chapter. He wanted more, she sent him half the book, and he said, “YES!” She said it was an honor for her.
At the annual Humanities Montana Conference the Festival of the Book, the first part of October, Charlotte met Ivan Doig for the first time. He was a presenter that evening and Charlotte presented the next day. It was quite a thrill for her to meet an author whose books she had read for years. It was her “15 Minutes of Fame.” By the way, the book is now available at the Chouteau County Free Library.
WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS
As I said earlier, I had an interesting week of e-mail. I feel that I must pass this on because there is no way I can forward it to all readers of the River Press. It shows the importance of supporting our Troops.
Your cell phone is in your pocket. You’re looking at all the pretty girls.
HE/SHE PATROLS THE STREETS, SEARCHING FOR INSURGENTS AND TERRORISTS. HE’S TOLD HE WILL BE HELD OVER EXTRA TIME.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
HE WAITS FOR THE MAIL TO SEE IF THERE IS A LETTER FROM HOME.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend every day.
HE HOLDS HIS LETTER CLOSE AND SMELLS HER PERFUME.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
HE GETS A LETTER WITH PICTURES OF HIS NEW CHILD, AND WONDERS IF THEY’LL EVER MEET.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
HE SEES THE INNOCENT TORTURED AND KILLED BY THEIR OWN PEOPLE AND REMEMBERS WHY HE IS FIGHTING.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
HE HEARS THE GUNFIRE, BOMBS AND SCREAMS OF THE WOUNDED
You see only what the media wants you to see
HE SEES THE BROKEN BODIES LYING AROUND HIM.
You are asked to do something by your parents. You don’t.
HE DOES EXACTLY WHAT HE IS TOLD EVEN IF IT PUTS HIS LIFE IN DANGER.
You stay at home and watch TV.
HE TAKES WHATEVER TIME HE IS GIVEN TO CALL, WRITE HOME, SLEEP, AND EAT.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
HE TRIES TO SLEEP BUT GETS AWAKENED BY MORTARS AND HELICOPTERS ALL NIGHT LONG.
REMEMBER TO WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SHOW THEM YOU MEAN IT.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
View From The Bridge 10/3/12
“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
10/3/12
HELP!
About two months ago, someone e-mailed me that two of the memorial plaques on benches/tables were loose. I forwarded the message to Myrna and Denny Allen, as they are the super chargers who put the plaques on the benches and tables. When next I talked with Myrna, she said she did not get the message. She gave me Denny’s e-mail address again, I forwarded it, and they did not receive the message.
Dashiel, (Randy’ son,) visited Fort Benton for two weeks on leave after spending almost a year in Afganistan, did some cleaning up on my computer. I told him to clear everything I did not need and away went my sent messages.
I am in great hopes that the person who sent the message about the plaques will read the River Press and contact me again. (I have the typical old-age problem of great long-term memory and worrisome short-term memory.) I would like to know which plaques they were because last week I discovered that two of the plaques are missing. Were they pried off or did they just become loose? Last week I said, “Enough already” however, I did not think that more objects so precious to those that purchased them, would be vandalized. Perhaps, thinking positively, someone found them and did not know quite what to do with them. Perhaps, someone saw the plaques being pried off or knows their whereabouts. If that is so, please return them to me. It is very important that they be returned.
I have not heard any word about the Old Bridge Historic Designation plaque about which I wrote last week. I will wait a little while longer and then order a new one. We have a plan that will assure us that the plaque will never be taken, removed, or lost again.
HOMECOMING
What an exciting week this will be with the Homecoming events planned. “I Love a Parade,” is a great song and it runs through my head with each Fort Benton parade. I enjoy the returning students examining all the graduation pictures in the high school hallways. There is more excitement in the football stands as they are full-up. The concessions are very busy and the 50/50 ticket is worthwhile to buy. If I promise that an alumni will win, would you purchase twice as many tickets? (Just a joke because then no one else will buy a ticket.) It makes Fort Benton come alive as does Summer Celebration and the Chouteau County Fair.
So put on all your Fort Benton gear and enjoy this year’s Homecoming celebration. See you out and about around town. GO LONGHORNS.
WEATHER OR WETHER NOT
Amazing! None of the old timers can believe a September that did not have a frost or a snowfall. But then, who can believe that September is over? We would like it to go on forever but with one addition…rain. Forecasters say that perhaps Tuesday or Wednesday will bring us cooler weather and rain. Gosh, I sure hope they are right about the rain. I’ve been practicing my “Rain Dance” but to no
avail. Only proves the point that no-one listens to me. If it does rain, I am going to go outside and just stand in it. What fun! I loved to do that very thing when I was a kid.
SQUIRRELS
I realize that some of you readers have had problems with squirrels. I would like to hear about it. In my yard last spring, I had two squirrels that gave us a lot of pleasure watching their antics while eating, scampering around the yard after each other, and climbing up onto the shed roof or Linda’s roof next door.
Not long afterward, there was only one squirrel and it came to visit us every day. When we were in Great Falls for 17 days at the hospital and rehab, the squirrel was not fed. We have only seen it once since.
Randy and Wally worked in the compost bins a week or so ago putting leaves into the grinder from the leaf bin. Randy came in afterward and said that he had good news and bad news. I took the good news first that was they had gotten many leaves ground up. The bad news was that they found one of the squirrels in the leave bin quite dead. It was difficult to determine how it met its demise. Perhaps that is why the other squirrel never returned.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Last week I told you about an occupational therapist from Benefis West who comes to Fort Benton every year for dinner at the Grand Union on their wedding anniversary. They were celebrating their 19th year together. Today, (Sunday, I met another couple on the Levee Walking Trail who were celebrating their 34th anniversary at the Grand Union. They were from Denton and it was not their first visit to our town. Their other visits were for other reasons however, they said they would be returning every year for their anniversary. After I did my story about Fort Benton’s attractions, they said that they would return to visit the Museums, the Village, the Old Fort, and the Upper Missouri River Breaks Interpretive Center.
ADOPT-A-PLOT
With the fall season upon us, it is a good time to cleanup the plots of dead flowers, trimming bushes, and pulling weeds. Now that I am walking every day, I am taking notice of the looks of the Levee Trail. My plot probably needs the most work. The rocks that were placed under the new bridge are washing down. I do not know where the water is coming from. This summer just passed me up as far as outside chores. To work outside was much too hot. I expect the next few weeks will produce more energetic working days. By the way, there are still plots to be adopted. Please consider it seriously. Our Levee Trail is one of Fort Benton’s most attractive assets.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS. WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
View From The Bridge 9/15/10
“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
9-15-10
H.E.L.P.
Many folks in Fort Benton need help. There are folks who are not able to do simple chores like going to the grocery store. There are seniors that lack the strength to lift or move things. There are young and old alike that may have had surgery and need some assistance.
I know that all of the Churches in town are very helpful to those in need. However, I have been asked to put out feelers about needing an H.E.L.P. program. It was suggested that a volunteer would be asked for an hour or two of assistance. It does not mean a major renovation of your home or other huge projects.
If anyone has suggestions about how this can be organized, please let me know (622-3217 after 2:00 p.m. or 899-1380 after 9:00 a.m. if it is a local call.) We need to be ready for the cold weather when more accidents happen and sickness occurs.
One of the most difficult things to do, for most people, is to ask for help. It is in our nature to think that we can do it ourselves. When you finally admit that you cannot do it, it would be wonderful to call someone who could arrange help for you. I believe this all comes under, “Love thy neighbor.”
VETERANS PICTURES
This past week brought about a huge leap ahead for this project. On Tuesday when I went to the Research Center, I showed the Volunteers a picture that had been brought to me the day before. Hank Armstrong went to the bookshelves and gave me a book that was titled, “The War Years.” There is a picture of the Iwo Jima flag raising on the gray cover and on the bottom it says Chouteau County, Montana.
The publisher, Curtis Media Inc. in 1995, put an ad in the River Press asking for a person from Chouteau County to gather names of Veterans from WWII to publish in a Veterans book. Hank from Geraldine and Linda Knoche from Highwood compiled the list by going to the Chouteau County Courthouse for many hours to check on discharge papers. (They received no acknowledgments for their work and so I give it here. Good job for posterity.) The book lists a surprising number of Veterans and that is 1,080 names. That figure is about 1/5 of the counties population. Some of the old-timers will remember that the Draft Board doubled the number of men because of an error in the system.
Curtis Media Inc. went out of business resulting in the end of communications between the company and Hank and Linda. However, Curtis Media had somehow collected 326 pictures for the book for the publication.
The book belongs to the Schwinden Library and cannot be removed. I would like to have a copy of the book to place at the Sunrise Bluffs on display. There is no record of how many books were published, but I am assuming that they were offered to the Veterans whose names appear in the book. If you are a Veteran, baby-boomer of a Veteran, or grandchild of a Veteran, it would be very much appreciated if you would donate the book to this project. The book is historically important. Please take it to the Sunrise Bluffs and give it to Karla Ayers. It will always belong to you but would be considered on loan so Veterans and their families can look at it. It will be well taken care of.
To date I have ten (10) pictures. I realize that with the rate of Veterans dying at 1,200 a day, many of the 1,080 WWII Vets from Chouteau County will no longer be living. I depend on the children and grandchildren of these Veterans to supply their pictures. Look through the old pictures that they left behind to see what you could find. They will be on display at the Bluffs and will be scanned to go down in Fort Benton history as the “Greatest Generation.”
Next Friday night the Longhorns will be in Chinook. Jean’s Bakery Restaurant is where the idea for a Veterans display was copied. Chinook also boasts the “Wildlife Museum” that is one that should not be missed. I spoke to the Curator and he said that it is open by appointment only but he would have it open from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday. There is a fee but it is a museum that “is a must.” The Buffalo Jump and the Wetlands displays are so realistic. As you look at the Wetlands display, you can see above and below water activities. We wondered how a town as small as Chinook could put together a museum such as that. It took the promoters ten (10) years to put it all together as donations and grants pushed the project onward. Now almost completed, it is so worth your time and money to view it. Pass the word around town, as it would be very good if a large group of Longhorn fans would tour the museum. Teachers…please tell your students it would be part of their homework assignment. Perhaps you could assign it as “Wildlife Studies 101.” (Just joking.)
After you have completed your tour of the Museum, cross the street to Jean’s Bakery and see the display of Veterans pictures. There was a picture of one of the displays on the Fort Benton website last week but not in the River Press. Those of you who do not have a computer would not have been able to see it. Check it out in person. You will be on a time schedule that will have you arriving at the game on time. See you there.
PIE DAY FRIDAY
Next Friday, the 17th, will be the first Pie Day since last spring. Come on down, have a great slice of pie and coffee, greet old and new friends, and donate to a good cause. It is a real social hour and you will find the best pie bakers in Fort Benton who donate their pies at the Golden Age Senior Center. I baked a couple of pumpkin pies for grandson Grayson a few weeks ago and it took me all day. I have no idea how these Senior Women have the time and patience to bake pies. All I know is that they are the best and they make my day. P.S. Would one of you please make Rhubarb pie? It’s my favorite.
LONGHORNS AT SIMMS
Last Friday was a nice day and we planned to go to the football game at Simms. Randy, our oldest son, is our driver these days to long distance destinations. I put our down jackets in the trunk of the vehicle and hand warmers. Everyone laughed but he who laughs last, laughs best. When we emerged from the vehicle at Simms, the cold wind blew in our faces. However, we were well prepared and some hot coffee/candy bar at halftime helped a lot. What we cannot understand are those youngsters who were running around in shorts and t-shirts. They did not even have a sweater on. No one ever told us that old age made you feel cold all the time and once you got cold…it was impossible to get warm. Thank goodness, for down coats, hand warmers, and next time we will remember to take gloves. Go Horns, it was a great game
RECYCLING
WATCH YOUR WASTE…items you are throwing away can contaminate the soil and water for thousands, maybe millions, of years. Your community probably has special disposable procedures for things like used oil and batteries. (THIS IS WHY WE NEED A RECYCLING PROGRAM.) Ink cartridges can probably be recycled where you bought them. (PLEASE TAKE THEM TO THE CHOUTEAU COUNTY LIBRARY OR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.) Many of the new super-efficient light bulbs contain mercury, so proper disposal is crucial. Check with the store where you purchased them. (THE RECYCLE COMMITTEE CAN DO THIS FOR YOU.)
SO LONG FOR NOW
The trees across the Missouri are turning yellow. The countryside is no longer green but brown. Some furnaces go on early in the morning. Ten days from today (Monday the 13th) is the end of summer or the beginning of fall, (I know…you don’t want to be reminded.) Let’s tough up and prepare for what ever lies ahead. I would love to be a “Snowbird,” but cannot bear to be away from the football and basketball seasons. “When winter comes, can spring be far behind.” I am really trying hard here to make myself feel better. As fast as the days are flying by, it really will be spring again. Keep busy, do a lot of catching up, do good deeds, be kind, and ask God to Bless America.
By Muncie
9-15-10
H.E.L.P.
Many folks in Fort Benton need help. There are folks who are not able to do simple chores like going to the grocery store. There are seniors that lack the strength to lift or move things. There are young and old alike that may have had surgery and need some assistance.
I know that all of the Churches in town are very helpful to those in need. However, I have been asked to put out feelers about needing an H.E.L.P. program. It was suggested that a volunteer would be asked for an hour or two of assistance. It does not mean a major renovation of your home or other huge projects.
If anyone has suggestions about how this can be organized, please let me know (622-3217 after 2:00 p.m. or 899-1380 after 9:00 a.m. if it is a local call.) We need to be ready for the cold weather when more accidents happen and sickness occurs.
One of the most difficult things to do, for most people, is to ask for help. It is in our nature to think that we can do it ourselves. When you finally admit that you cannot do it, it would be wonderful to call someone who could arrange help for you. I believe this all comes under, “Love thy neighbor.”
VETERANS PICTURES
This past week brought about a huge leap ahead for this project. On Tuesday when I went to the Research Center, I showed the Volunteers a picture that had been brought to me the day before. Hank Armstrong went to the bookshelves and gave me a book that was titled, “The War Years.” There is a picture of the Iwo Jima flag raising on the gray cover and on the bottom it says Chouteau County, Montana.
The publisher, Curtis Media Inc. in 1995, put an ad in the River Press asking for a person from Chouteau County to gather names of Veterans from WWII to publish in a Veterans book. Hank from Geraldine and Linda Knoche from Highwood compiled the list by going to the Chouteau County Courthouse for many hours to check on discharge papers. (They received no acknowledgments for their work and so I give it here. Good job for posterity.) The book lists a surprising number of Veterans and that is 1,080 names. That figure is about 1/5 of the counties population. Some of the old-timers will remember that the Draft Board doubled the number of men because of an error in the system.
Curtis Media Inc. went out of business resulting in the end of communications between the company and Hank and Linda. However, Curtis Media had somehow collected 326 pictures for the book for the publication.
The book belongs to the Schwinden Library and cannot be removed. I would like to have a copy of the book to place at the Sunrise Bluffs on display. There is no record of how many books were published, but I am assuming that they were offered to the Veterans whose names appear in the book. If you are a Veteran, baby-boomer of a Veteran, or grandchild of a Veteran, it would be very much appreciated if you would donate the book to this project. The book is historically important. Please take it to the Sunrise Bluffs and give it to Karla Ayers. It will always belong to you but would be considered on loan so Veterans and their families can look at it. It will be well taken care of.
To date I have ten (10) pictures. I realize that with the rate of Veterans dying at 1,200 a day, many of the 1,080 WWII Vets from Chouteau County will no longer be living. I depend on the children and grandchildren of these Veterans to supply their pictures. Look through the old pictures that they left behind to see what you could find. They will be on display at the Bluffs and will be scanned to go down in Fort Benton history as the “Greatest Generation.”
Next Friday night the Longhorns will be in Chinook. Jean’s Bakery Restaurant is where the idea for a Veterans display was copied. Chinook also boasts the “Wildlife Museum” that is one that should not be missed. I spoke to the Curator and he said that it is open by appointment only but he would have it open from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday. There is a fee but it is a museum that “is a must.” The Buffalo Jump and the Wetlands displays are so realistic. As you look at the Wetlands display, you can see above and below water activities. We wondered how a town as small as Chinook could put together a museum such as that. It took the promoters ten (10) years to put it all together as donations and grants pushed the project onward. Now almost completed, it is so worth your time and money to view it. Pass the word around town, as it would be very good if a large group of Longhorn fans would tour the museum. Teachers…please tell your students it would be part of their homework assignment. Perhaps you could assign it as “Wildlife Studies 101.” (Just joking.)
After you have completed your tour of the Museum, cross the street to Jean’s Bakery and see the display of Veterans pictures. There was a picture of one of the displays on the Fort Benton website last week but not in the River Press. Those of you who do not have a computer would not have been able to see it. Check it out in person. You will be on a time schedule that will have you arriving at the game on time. See you there.
PIE DAY FRIDAY
Next Friday, the 17th, will be the first Pie Day since last spring. Come on down, have a great slice of pie and coffee, greet old and new friends, and donate to a good cause. It is a real social hour and you will find the best pie bakers in Fort Benton who donate their pies at the Golden Age Senior Center. I baked a couple of pumpkin pies for grandson Grayson a few weeks ago and it took me all day. I have no idea how these Senior Women have the time and patience to bake pies. All I know is that they are the best and they make my day. P.S. Would one of you please make Rhubarb pie? It’s my favorite.
LONGHORNS AT SIMMS
Last Friday was a nice day and we planned to go to the football game at Simms. Randy, our oldest son, is our driver these days to long distance destinations. I put our down jackets in the trunk of the vehicle and hand warmers. Everyone laughed but he who laughs last, laughs best. When we emerged from the vehicle at Simms, the cold wind blew in our faces. However, we were well prepared and some hot coffee/candy bar at halftime helped a lot. What we cannot understand are those youngsters who were running around in shorts and t-shirts. They did not even have a sweater on. No one ever told us that old age made you feel cold all the time and once you got cold…it was impossible to get warm. Thank goodness, for down coats, hand warmers, and next time we will remember to take gloves. Go Horns, it was a great game
RECYCLING
WATCH YOUR WASTE…items you are throwing away can contaminate the soil and water for thousands, maybe millions, of years. Your community probably has special disposable procedures for things like used oil and batteries. (THIS IS WHY WE NEED A RECYCLING PROGRAM.) Ink cartridges can probably be recycled where you bought them. (PLEASE TAKE THEM TO THE CHOUTEAU COUNTY LIBRARY OR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.) Many of the new super-efficient light bulbs contain mercury, so proper disposal is crucial. Check with the store where you purchased them. (THE RECYCLE COMMITTEE CAN DO THIS FOR YOU.)
SO LONG FOR NOW
The trees across the Missouri are turning yellow. The countryside is no longer green but brown. Some furnaces go on early in the morning. Ten days from today (Monday the 13th) is the end of summer or the beginning of fall, (I know…you don’t want to be reminded.) Let’s tough up and prepare for what ever lies ahead. I would love to be a “Snowbird,” but cannot bear to be away from the football and basketball seasons. “When winter comes, can spring be far behind.” I am really trying hard here to make myself feel better. As fast as the days are flying by, it really will be spring again. Keep busy, do a lot of catching up, do good deeds, be kind, and ask God to Bless America.
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